Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleErin KellerThursday 25 June 2026 21:01 BSTMore than 700 animals have gone missing from a California rescue shelter (Humboldt County Sheriff's Office)Humboldt County Sheriff's Office initiated an animal cruelty and fraud investigation into Miranda's Rescue in Fortuna, California, on April 26, following allegations of felony animal abuse and conspiracy.Investigators are probing the disappearance of over 700 animals, as only 116 adoptions have been verified out of 900 transfers since January, with suspicions that the shelter operator may have killed animals to free up space and increase financial intake.Search warrants and excavations at the rescue property have led to the recovery of dozens of dogs found in various stages of decomposition, along with a horse and another animal.Miranda's Rescue continues to operate under monitoring by animal control and a veterinarian, while operator Shannon Miranda has publicly defended his actions, stating difficult decisions were made regarding terminally ill or dangerous animals.The investigation is expanding to include an examination of business records for potential fraud, with state and federal agencies providing assistance.In fullMore than 700 animals disappear from California rescue shelter as cops fear ‘worst-case scenario’Thank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in